Caroline Thomas

Business Development

Mission Chemical

Please meet this week’s WOTW, Caroline Thomas. Caroline did not initially seek out a role in the chemical industry but followed a leader into it and never looked back. Caroline began her career after college in a management program at Macy's, which helped her decide what kind of employer she wanted to work for. She later moved to a non-profit where she worked in marketing. She was eager to work for someone she could rely on, who would value her work and support her development. After meeting the owner, who has since become a great mentor to her, she ended up at Mission Chemical. She has been working for the company for six and a half years; initially, there was just the founder and her; today, there are more than 65 employees. Caroline has been in her current position of Business Development at Mission Chemical for 6 months.

Caroline shared with us that taking on her current position in business development six months ago was the biggest turning point in her career to date. She realized that she no longer needed to wear the many hats of the original 2 person company, and that it was time to pick a focus for her development. When making this vital choice, Caroline connected with Jen Jenson (a WIC board member) through a virtual networking pairing. Jen's experiences helped Caroline make her choice. Caroline talks about some of the abilities that, in her opinion, best prepared her for success in the chemical industry as well as those that she is currently working to hone in preparation for her future professional aspirations. She discusses her initial impressions of the chemical industry and how those impressions have changed as a result of her employment in the industry. Caroline discusses her identity crisis, her biggest obstacle, and how she overcame it. According to Caroline, we are all being led by someone or something, and they are in turn leading us. She desires to see WIC establish a steadfast presence in the chemicals industry. To wrap up the interview, Caroline recommended the book "The Leader Within Us." by Warren Rustand and the Michael Sherlock "Shock Your Potential" podcast. She also gives us some advice, "establish your own broad vision" and "take ownership of your own growth."

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